The Idaho House passed a bill on Tuesday which would make certain s+x crimes against children punishable by d£ath.
House Bill 515 would allow for the d£ath penalty in cases of lewd conduct with children under age 12 with aggravating circumstances. Co-sponsor Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, along with Rep. Josh Tanner, R-Eagle, told House lawmakers that the d£ath penalty would be reserved for heinous cases, like repeat offenders, according to a report by Idaho Sun.
“There is a deep, dark, dark side in our culture. And it’s our job to protect the children. There are times when things are so w+cked that retribution is appropriate,” Skaug said.
However, opponents of House Bill 515 cite concerns it could be unconstitutional. Responding to concerns that the Idaho bill is unconstitutional, Skaug said he thinks the current Supreme Court would reach a different decision.
A similar law from Louisiana was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2008.
Other opponents say enforcing the law could be very costly to taxpayers, but the bill passed 57 to 11. It now moves to the Idaho Senate for a vote.
